LASH OUT Definition: to speak to someone cruelly or angrily, criticizing or scolding them. Often followed by “at” or “against”. (This phrasal verb has more than one meaning) E.g.1: I lashed out at Jenny and called her a “stupid idiot” and a lot of other names. E.g.2: He took the opportunity to lash out against the company. This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

LAUGH (something) OFF Definition: to pretend that a situation or comment is amusing and unimportant, when in reality it is serious or upsetting. E.g.1: Bill laughed off the insult, but Jane knew that it had hurt him. E.g.2: When he was accused of corruption, the politician tried to laugh the matter off by saying that he wasn’t important enough to be bribed. This phrasal verb can be separated.

LAY (someone) OFF Definition: to dismiss someone from their job, either temporarily or permanently. E.g.1: The company is not doing well. We may have to lay some of our staff off. E.g.2: Many workers in the manufacturing sector have been laid off because of the strong pound. This phrasal verb can be separated (E.g. 1).

LAY (something) OUT Definition: to put one or more things in a place so that they are spread out and neatly arranged. (This phrasal verb has more than one meaning) E.g.1: He laid out his photographs on the table so that everyone could see them. E.g.2: When the customs officer laid the contents of her suitcase out in front of her, it was clear that she had a lot of explaining to do. This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g. 2)

LET (someone) DOWN Definition: to disappoint someone by not doing what they were relying on you to do. E.g.1: Ted said he would drive me to the airport but he let me down at the last minute and I had to get a taxi. E.g.2: We’re relying on you to do it. You won’t let us down, will you? This phrasal verb can be separated (E.g. 1 & 2).

LET (someone) OFF Definition: to decide not to punish someone, or to give a lighter punishment than expected. (This phrasal verb has more than one meaning) E.g.1: She smiled sweetly at the policeman who had stopped her for driving too fast and he let her off with a caution. E.g.2: I’ll let you off this time, but if you do it again I’ll prosecute you. This phrasal verb is separated by its object. (E.g.1 and 2)

LINE (something) UP Definition: to put things in a row. (This phrasal verb has more than one meaning) E.g.1: Could you line up according to your age? The oldest should stand at the front, and the youngest at the back. E.g.2: He was bored so he spent the afternoon lining his books up on the shelf. This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g.2)

LIVEN (something) UP Definition: to make something more lively, interesting or exciting. (This phrasal verb has more than one meaning) E.g.1: This party is a bit boring. Don’t worry! It’ll soon liven up once everyone has had a drink or two! E.g.2: You could liven your writing up by using more descriptive adjectives. This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g. 2)

LOCK AWAY Definition: to put something in a safe, a cupboard or other container which is locked, so that other people can’t see or use it. E.g.1. It’s very valuable – we really should lock it away. E.g.2. Art should be looked at, not locked away. This phrasal verb can be separated.

LONG FOR Definition: to want or desire something very much. E.g.1: He longed for the days of his youth when life was simpler. E.g.2: There’s no point longing for the past – you should try to change the future! This phrasal verb can’t be separated.

LOOK DOWN ON (someone) Definition: to regard someone with contempt. (This phrasal verb has more than one meaning) E.g.1: He’s so arrogant! He looks down on anyone who hasn’t been to university. E.g.2: She looked down on her classmates because their parents were not as wealthy as hers were. This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

LOOK INTO Definition: to investigate something. E.g.1: Speak to Dave – he’s looked into the history of the site, so he should be able to help you. E.g.2: We should look into the causes of the situation. This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

LOOK ON (also ‘look upon’) Definition: to think about something or someone in a certain way. (This verb has more than one meaning) E.g.1. I don’t really like the painting – I look on it as an investment. E.g.2. I look on him as a brother, although we’re not related. This phrasal verb can’t be separated.

LOOK OUT FOR Definition: to pay attention to things around you so that you notice the thing or things you want to see. E.g.1: It’s a rare flower, but if you look out for it when you’re walking in the forest you might see it. E.g.2: When you’re reading English texts, look out for interesting or useful phrases that you can use later in your own writing. This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

LOOK (something) UP Definition: to try to find information in a reference book, or on a timetable or map. (This phrasal verb has more than one meaning) E.g.1: If you look the word up in a good dictionary you’ll find its meaning, pronunciation and information on how to use it. E.g.2: He looked up the phone number of a local plumber and rushed to the phone. This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g. 1)

LOOK UP TO (someone) Definition: to admire and respect someone. E.g.1: He has a great relationship with his father, he really looks up to him. E.g.2: Will you talk to him? I’m sure he’ll listen to you because he’s looked up to you since he was a child. This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

LOUNGE ABOUT (or lounge around or lounge round) Definition: to spend time relaxing, doing nothing that requires any effort. E.g.1: You never help me with the housework – you spend all day lounging about watching TV and drinking beer! E.g.2: When I’m on holiday I like to lounge about the hotel swimming pool and read magazines. This phrasal verb cannot be separated.